(11/27/09) The ceremony includes the tree being moved down the road in front of the White House by a horse-drawn carriage and bringing it through the front doors of the White House. The First Lady and her daughters Malia Ann and Sasha greeted the farmers and their families while the tree made its way to the front of the portico.
The Douglas-fir was grown by Eric and Gloria Sundback of Shepherdstown, W.Va. The Sundbacks have been growers since 1956 (PA), ending up in Shepherdstown WV (1967), and this is their fourth win: twice for President Reagan (Douglas Fir – Fraser Fir) and once for President Carter (Douglas Fir).
Also present, Mark Steelhammer, president of the National Christmas Tree Association and co-owner with his wife Luanne of KLM Tree Farm in Rochester WA